Wordcount Trackers

Tracking Your Words: A Review of the Top 5 Word Count Trackers for Indie Authors

Independent authors must manage more than just storytelling. Productivity, deadlines, and discipline play a huge role in finishing a manuscript, especially when working without the external pressure of a traditional publisher. One of the best ways to maintain consistent writing output is to track word count progress. Word count trackers help writers set realistic goals, stay motivated, and visualize their progress over time. In this essay, we’ll compare five of the most popular word count trackers for indie authors: Pacemaker, Trackbear, 4TheWords, My Write Club, and worded.me. We will explore the features, history, capabilities, pricing, and the pros and cons of each tool to help authors choose the right fit for their writing process.

Pacemaker

Overview and History
Pacemaker (https://www.pacemaker.press/) is a goal-setting and word count tracking tool built for writers of all types. Launched in 2013 by Stuart Young and affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University, Pacemaker quickly gained popularity with NaNoWriMo participants and productivity-focused authors. Its web-based interface is both powerful and flexible, allowing detailed customization of writing plans and goals.

Features and Capabilities
Pacemaker lets users set custom writing goals based on total word count, deadline, and writing schedule. Writers can choose from various pacing styles such as "steady," "ramp up," "cram," or even “random.” The tool supports both daily and non-daily writing plans and visualizes progress through charts and calendars. It also integrates collaboration options for writing groups or classrooms.

Pricing and Discounts
Pacemaker offers a free plan with limited features, while the premium plan is priced at $8/month or $72/year. A classroom or team license is available for educational and group settings. Occasional discounts are offered during writing events like NaNoWriMo.

Popular Features
One standout feature of Pacemaker is the ability to create complex custom writing plans based on available writing days, desired pacing, and word count flexibility. Authors can export or share their plans and embed them into personal websites or blogs.

Pros

• Highly customizable pacing styles

• Detailed progress visualization

• Collaboration and group support

• Export and embed functionality

Cons

• Slight learning curve for new users

• Most features locked behind a paywall

Trackbear

Overview and History
Trackbear (https://trackbear.io/) is a relatively new and sleek word count tracker developed specifically for indie authors and productivity-focused creatives. With a clean user interface and gamified progress displays, Trackbear has emerged as a favorite among modern digital writers.

Features and Capabilities
Trackbear provides goal tracking based on word count, project timelines, and sprints. Writers can create multiple projects and view a cumulative overview of their writing life. The interface includes motivational statistics, streak counters, and historical trend graphs to help users see how their habits evolve.

Pricing and Discounts
Trackbear is currently free to use, which makes it highly appealing for authors on a tight budget. As of 2025, there are no premium features, though the developers have hinted at future subscription options for advanced tracking and analytics.

Popular Features
Trackbear’s visually engaging dashboard sets it apart. The software emphasizes productivity streaks and clean data presentation. Users can track by word count, hours, or sessions, offering flexibility depending on how a writer prefers to log their progress.

Pros

• Clean and modern user interface

• Free to use with full functionality

• Gamified elements enhance motivation

Cons

• No offline option

• Limited export or integration capabilities

• Still evolving as a newer platform

4TheWords

Overview and History
4TheWords (https://4thewords.com/) launched in 2016 as a gamified writing platform that helps authors develop writing habits by combining productivity with fantasy adventure. Created by a team of indie developers, this tool turns daily writing into a game where authors defeat monsters and complete quests by reaching word count targets.

Features and Capabilities
Writers advance through a fantasy world by writing a set number of words or meeting a timed goal. The platform includes quests, collectible gear, and avatars. Daily login streaks and achievements encourage long-term consistency. 4TheWords also offers file organization, cloud-based storage, and in-browser writing.

Pricing and Discounts
4TheWords operates on a subscription model priced at $4/month or $40/year. It offers free trial periods, especially during National Novel Writing Month. The company frequently provides promotional codes during writing challenges and community events.

Popular Features
The most loved aspect of 4TheWords is its integration of creative gameplay into daily writing. Authors get visual feedback and incentives that mimic role-playing games. It’s ideal for users who need a playful nudge to stick with their goals.

Pros

• Unique gamified approach to writing

• Built-in writing interface and cloud storage

• Community engagement and creative incentives

Cons

• Not suitable for minimalist users

• Writing editor lacks advanced formatting tools

• Some may find the fantasy aspect distracting

My Write Club

Overview and History
My Write Club (https://www.mywriteclub.com/) was created by John McGrath as a free tool to help writers track word counts and goals. It’s known for its simplicity and real-time tracking options that allow authors to write sprints and challenges with others.

Features and Capabilities
Writers can set project goals, track word counts, and join public or private word sprints with other users. The dashboard displays progress bars and deadlines for each project. My Write Club emphasizes social accountability with options to follow other writers and cheer them on.

Pricing and Discounts
My Write Club is entirely free and sustained through voluntary donations and community support. All features are accessible without a subscription.

Popular Features
The live writing sprint tool is the key draw. Writers can join or start group sprints with countdown timers and post their results for friendly competition. The accountability built into the platform is especially helpful during events like Camp NaNoWriMo.

Pros

• Completely free with no ads

• Social writing and sprint functions

• Clean and intuitive design

Cons

• Basic progress tracking

• No analytics or visual customization

• Development pace is slower due to limited funding

worded.me

Overview and History
worded.me (https://worded.me/) is a minimalist word count tracking tool built by indie developer Nick Thacker. Created as a side project, its appeal lies in simplicity and focus. With no distractions or bloat, this web-based tool is perfect for authors who want to set goals, write consistently, and view straightforward stats.

Features and Capabilities
Users can create multiple projects, set a target word count and deadline, and log their writing sessions. The tracker shows daily goals, streaks, and cumulative progress. It’s stripped-down but effective.

Pricing and Discounts
worded.me is completely free to use with no paid tier. There are no ads, though donations are welcome through the creator’s website or Patreon.

Popular Features
The no-frills interface makes it an ideal solution for writers who want a tool that gets out of the way. It supports backup exports and provides a daily word count dashboard that is easy to interpret.

Pros

• Lightweight and fast

• No distractions or ads

• Great for writers who prefer simplicity

Cons

• No advanced analytics

• Lacks collaborative or social features

• Development updates are infrequent

Comparison Chart

Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?

All five tools bring something unique to the table, and the right one depends on your writing style, goals, and preferences.

• Choose Pacemaker if you need complex, adjustable schedules and visual planning.

• Use Trackbear if you want a sleek, free productivity tracker with streaks and graphs.

• Opt for 4TheWords if you enjoy gamified incentives and fantasy-based motivation.

• Try My Write Club for social accountability and live writing sprints.

• Go with worded.me if you prefer a fast, minimalist, no-frills experience.

While these five tools are popular among independent authors, others such as Scrivener’s built-in targets, Novlr, and Dabble also offer integrated word tracking. Writers should explore their options and select the tool that best matches their working habits and goals.

For any indie author, consistent tracking can turn a scattered draft into a finished book. With the right tool, every word becomes a step closer to publication.